Story Summary
In the Panchatantra classic The Tiger and the Woodpecker, a bird saves a choking predator only to learn a harsh lesson about expecting thanks from the cruel.
A mighty tiger once greedily choked on a large bone while devouring his prey. In excruciating pain, he begged the forest animals for help, promising a great reward to anyone who could remove the obstruction. A brave woodpecker, moved by pity, agreed to help. The bird used a small stick to keep the tiger's jaws propped open and hopped inside to pluck the bone from the tiger's throat. Once the tiger was relieved, the woodpecker later asked for the promised reward. The tiger roared fiercely, 'You have already received your reward! You put your head inside a tiger's mouth and lived to tell the tale. Is that not enough?' The woodpecker realized that seeking gratitude from the wicked was a fool's errand and flew away, vowing never to help the ungrateful beast again.
The Moral
Do not expect gratitude or rewards when serving the wicked or the ungrateful.
“To serve the wicked and expect a reward is to put your head in a tiger's mouth twice.”
Fun Fact
This story is found in the 'Mitra-bheda' (Loss of Friends) section of the Panchatantra, which focuses on how friendships are broken by deceit and ungratefulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Tiger and the Woodpecker?
The moral is that one should not expect a reward or gratitude when helping those who are naturally cruel or ungrateful. It teaches us to be cautious about who we choose to assist.
Why did the woodpecker help the tiger?
The woodpecker was moved by the tiger's apparent suffering and the promise of a reward. Despite the risk, the bird chose to act out of compassion and the hope of a fair return for its service.
How did the tiger respond to the woodpecker's request for a reward?
The tiger responded with a threat, claiming that the bird's reward was simply being allowed to leave his mouth alive. He showed no real gratitude for the life-saving help he received.
Is The Tiger and the Woodpecker similar to Aesop's Fables?
Yes, this story is very similar to Aesop's fable 'The Wolf and the Crane.' Both stories share the same core lesson about the dangers of expecting gratitude from predators.
What does the woodpecker symbolize in this story?
The woodpecker symbolizes the innocent or kind-hearted individual who mistakenly believes that kindness will always be reciprocated by everyone, regardless of their nature.
What happened at the end of the story?
The woodpecker realized the tiger's true nature and decided to fly away. The bird learned that it is better to avoid the company of the treacherous than to wait for a reward that will never come.
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